About methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (also called meth, ice, crystal, crack, P, Tina) is a strong and addictive stimulant. For some, using it can become a need and not a want. After taking meth, people usually experience enhanced feelings of energy, mood, and libido which are followed by a comedown. In New Zealand, meth is not legal to use or sell but is available illegally from dealers, usually in crystal form.

It can be taken many ways including swallowed, snorted or injected, but most often is smoked and inhaled using a glass pipe.

Up to date information about how much meth to take with less unpleasant effects and what drugs to avoid taking at the same time can be found on Tripsit.

Myths

Meth turns people into violent maniacs

This is false. What meth does do is inhibit sleep. Without sleep, the brain cannot flush out toxins and reset itself. So people who continue to use meth over three or more consecutive nights without sleep can experience the negative psychological effects of sleep deprivation such as hallucinations, erratic or agitated behaviour, or even psychosis.

People who use meth are Satan's helpers

People who use meth are often blamed for everything going wrong in society. We rarely talk about the reality of meth, why people use it, the short and long term impact on the person and their whanau, and how to cut back or stop using meth. Most people do not use meth but some do use it at some stage in their life. They’re a varied group – professionals, trades people, athletes, executives, teachers, university students, mums, or even doctors. Using meth does not make you less of a person.

But I lost everything. I lost my daughter, I lost my family, I lost my respect, I lost my reputation. I lost my whole house, I lost all my furniture and my belongings. I lost my health. I lost half my teeth.